Category: Services

According to the World Customs Organization… Chinese counterfeits account for nearly 2% of world trade.

One of the risks of having a successful brand is counterfeit products appearing on websites, street markets, and even within your own supply chain. According to the World Customs Organization, 75% of all counterfeit goods seized worldwide between 2008 and 2010 were produced in China, and Chinese counterfeits account for nearly 2% of world trade. That fact combined with 1.4 billion potential customers for your product provide excellent reasons to establish an anti-counterfeiting program right at the source of the problem.

We have unparalleled experience tracing the source of counterfeit goods, gathering the necessary evidence and taking swift action against counterfeiters. Our team of dedicated investigators are stationed in counterfeit hotspots all over China and have a vast network of informants supplying them with information in key supply chains.

US companies and other entities should take strong precautions against the insider threat
– Overseas Security Advisory Council

When setting up valuable operations in Asia, security must be a priority. Security measures set by headquarters abroad may not be effectively implemented by local staff, putting your workers and other assets at risk, especially when using third-party suppliers. Local competitors, criminals, and even your own employees stand to profit from theft of your physical and intellectual assets. A report by the Overseas Security Advisory Council in particular notes that “US companies and other entities should take strong precautions against the insider threat”.

CBI has worked with multinationals’ own facilities and third-party suppliers to ensure that vulnerabilities are successfully identified and addressed. Our skilled team of auditors have prevented thefts of prototypes, provided training to security managers, and discovered issues such as diversion and overproduction in legitimate supply chains. We have provided security details for executives visiting the region and extracted corporate hostages.

In 2013, the U.S. Department of Justice and the SEC together collected over US$635 million in civil and criminal penalties from individuals and corporations for FCPA-related offences

Companies with operations in multiple jurisdictions must ensure their commitment to compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and U.K. Bribery Act. As foreign investment in Asia continues to grow, so too does the level of scrutiny placed on companies operating in the region. Proper investigations into partners, suppliers and subsidiaries, along with the implementation of anti-corruption compliance policies can help to avoid costly fines, potential litigation and adverse effects on share price.

CBI has extensive experience working with in-house teams and external counsel to create programs and best practices, whilst encouraging a culture of compliance. Whether performing introspective policy reviews, assessing corruption risk of third-party suppliers, or creating a new program from the ground-up, our team has the expertise to guide you.

A well-run internal investigation can enhance a company’s overall well-being and can help detect the source of lost funds, identify responsible parties and recover losses – Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

Disputes and misconduct inevitably arise when large companies cross borders. Internal investigations of your facilities and third-party suppliers can discover numerous business risks. Companies engaging in operations in Asia frequently encounter child labor, internal fraud, corruption, theft and other issues, and unfortunately often only become aware of these issues after they have been seized by the media.

Our investigators have discovered potential problems during routine inspections and uncovered key facts to support internal allegations. We have worked on cases spanning a vast range of issues across a broad variety of industries. We aim to provide objective, discreet investigations, whilst causing minimum business disruption, and often work in conjunction with internal and external legal counsel.

Undertaking a due diligence investigation prior to engaging in a trade transaction can minimize risk of encountering commercial disputes – U.S. Department of Commerce

Prior to any agreement or transaction, it is essential to assess potential partners’ financial standing, organizational structure, reputation and capabilities. Conducting these assessments in countries with less transparency and more business risks can be challenging but can be the difference between long-term success or failure. Whilst internal checks and balances can address some of these concerns, an independent perspective provides invaluable insight.

CBI is a leading independent specialist providing due diligence and business critical investigations. Our research and investigative services provide our clients with valuable insights on deals, listings, stocks, companies and personalities, to facilitate important investment and transaction decisions in the world’s fastest-growing markets.

with the judicial reform of China in the last decade… the law constantly empowers parties with additional litigation rights – Chambers and Partners

In today’s international business world, Asian governments are actively seeking to attract investment through improved legal recourse. According to Chambers and Partners, “with the judicial reform of China in the last decade… the law constantly empowers parties with additional litigation rights”. For both litigative and alternative dispute resolution, businesses and their legal counsel require hard data, evidence, and analysis to ensure a successful outcome.

Our team has experience spanning a number of industries and commercial disputes, working closely with both internal and external counsel. We have investigated, researched and managed thousands of cases, often with international implications. The evidence we have gathered has resulted in clear chains of evidence and class action lawsuits.

Competitive intelligence allows you to evaluate your potential market share before entry into new economies in Asia

Your company’s position amongst competitors can be difficult to determine, especially when comparing companies from different countries operating in rapidly developing business landscapes. Competitive intelligence allows you to evaluate your potential market share before entry into new economies in Asia.

CBI has assisted multinationals to successfully enter and dominate markets in Asia while avoiding costly entries into immature locales. Our intelligence has allowed clients to adjust services that match and beat their closest competitors. Our experience with many jurisdictions and industries has led to discovery of patent infringement, theft of trade secrets and dumping.

With over 1.8 million trademark applications in 2013, and a first-to-file system, China in particular is a high risk country for trademark squatting and dilution

How secure is your brand? How large is your risk of copycats and counterfeits? Do you have any recourse if you discover these? According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, only 15% of small businesses doing business overseas know that a U.S. trademark provides protection only in the United States. Many of these will manufacture in Asia, and put their brand at risk. Famously, many businesses, including some of the world’s largest names, have wanted to enter the Asian market only to find that someone else has already registered their trademark. With over 1.8 million trademark applications in 2013, and a first-to-file system, China in particular is a high risk country for trademark squatting and dilution.

We have worked with brand owners to ensure that their brand is secure. We explore which further protection is needed when suppliers handle sensitive material and that there are enforceable consequences should the worst happen. We set up programs to ensure that brands are not slowly eroded by cheap copycats and remain a respected brand for Asian consumers. CBI works with enforceable IP rights every day and can advise clients accordingly.

In depth knowledge regarding potential partners, suppliers, employees and buyers is essential for long-term business success

Background investigations are your first defense against potential corporate threats. In depth knowledge regarding potential partners, suppliers, employees and buyers is essential for long-term business success. This knowledge however, is not always made readily available during initial discussions and inquiries.

CBI provides a comprehensive look into the reputations and backgrounds of both companies and individuals to verify their qualifications, and expose controversies or exclusions of information that could lead to future problems. Whether it’s a potential joint-venture partner, a new vendor in your supply chain or your company’s next regional director, CBI’s experience and expertise helps our clients make informed, calculated decisions.